Spotify Reports Record Growth for Nigerian and South African Music
Spotify announced on Friday that Nigerian and South African music experienced unprecedented growth in the past year, generating record-breaking royalty payments for artists on the platform.
Fuelled by globally recognised stars such as Nigerian Afrobeats icons Burna Boy and Ayra Starr, and South Africa’s Grammy-winning artist Tyla, African music genres have witnessed a rapid surge in popularity in recent years.
Spotify’s 2024 report highlights “extraordinary growth across Sub-Saharan Africa’s music industries, with Nigerian and South African artists achieving record-breaking earnings and global reach,” the streaming service stated.
In 2024, royalties earned by Nigerian artists more than doubled compared to the previous year, reaching 58 billion naira ($37.8 million), while South African artists generated 400 million rand ($20.9 million).
Nigerian Afrobeats and South Africa’s Amapiano have become prominent genres worldwide, with artists from both countries frequently collaborating and incorporating each other’s musical styles while also competing for international awards like the Grammys.
Spotify reported that music from both Nigeria and South Africa achieved “unprecedented international reach,” each reaching over one billion first-time listeners.
Furthermore, both countries saw a significant increase in local consumption, and “royalties for music performed in indigenous languages have skyrocketed,” according to Spotify.
Launched in 2008, Spotify has grown into a streaming giant with over 640 million monthly active users globally.
